Things Don't Break on Their Own: A Novel by Sarah Easter Collins

Sarah Easter Collins’s novel unfolds with haunting intrigue, centered on the enduring mystery of a young girl’s disappearance twenty-five years ago and its profound impact on her sister, Willa. The narrative delves into themes of memory, sisterhood, and the lingering effects of unresolved trauma.

Willa has never accepted that her sister is dead, despite the prevailing belief among others. The novel explores Willa’s relentless search for traces of her sister in everyday life—through fleeting resemblances and echoes that stir memories and hope. This emotional journey leads Willa to moments of intense introspection and upheaval, especially when she is unexpectedly drawn into a dinner party hosted by her first love. The reunion sparks a cascade of memories and emotions, confronting Willa with the unresolved past and the possibility of long-buried secrets resurfacing.

Collins weaves a narrative that is both gripping and poignant, capturing Willa’s quest for truth amidst the complexities of relationships and the passage of time. The novel’s exploration of lost love, sisterly bonds, and the unrelenting search for closure resonates deeply, drawing readers into a web of suspense and emotional turmoil.

With echoes of Kate Atkinson’s intricate storytelling and Ruth Rendell’s psychological depth, Collins crafts a literary thriller that is as daring as it is moving. Through vivid prose and nuanced characterization, she navigates the terrain of memory and longing, ultimately revealing the profound ways in which past tragedies shape present lives.

“[Title of the Novel]” stands as a testament to Collins’s skill in crafting a narrative that intertwines mystery and emotional resonance, leaving readers haunted and deeply moved by its exploration of loss, love, and the enduring bonds of family. ❤️📚❤️